Welcome back to school! With another school year ahead, homeschooling parents quickly transition into educators, with children becoming learners. To make this school year become the most successful, follow a few of these ideas.
1: Design a dedicated workspace for classwork. Make sure this workspace is free from distractions, such as televisions or a large amount of background noise. Also, consider having the learner seated away from a window to eliminate distractions and ensure the learner will have enough lighting and space. Look at your learner’s seating. Make sure your learner’s feet can touch the ground to assist with fatigue. You can also incorporate some fun colors or themes.
2: Be flexible. Start the school year off slowly. It is recommended you have a nutrient-filled breakfast to get learners ready for the academic day. You can ask your learner what subject they prefer to complete first or last. This permits the learner to take some ownership of their schedule. It is suggested that academic subjects such as reading and math be completed earlier in the academic day when learners are most rested. Lastly, don’t forget to incorporate some breaks into your schedule. Adding some movement videos from resources like YouTube or Jack Hartman will aid in fatigue. Learners may benefit from a visual schedule to assist in the stress of not knowing what is next.
If you have learners with an IEP, 504, or special accommodations, don’t forget to speak to your Educational Specialist and Education Facilitator to ensure your learner has everything they need to start the school year off on a positive note. As the educator in the home, review all the learner’s accommodations and ensure you have the correct tools to support your child. When in doubt, ask your team. Henry Ford stated, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” Have a wonderful school year!